DeMar DeRozan is back on the open market, and three familiar names have already surfaced as possible fits.
With the Sacramento Kings waiving the former San Antonio Spurs All-NBA forward, DeRozan became a sought-after free agent on July 6, the day NBA transactions officially went through across the league. CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn pointed to the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks and Miami Heat as teams that should be in the conversation this summer.
For Golden State, Quinn noted the financial flexibility could be there while the team waits for Jimmy Butler to return from a torn ACL, though that space could also be used to keep Quentin Post after the three-year, $30 million offer sheet the Memphis Grizzlies gave him. DeRozan would bring a very different offensive profile to Steve Kerr’s system, one built around the mid-range rather than the three-point line. He has shot 30.2% from deep for his career, which makes him an awkward stylistic match on paper.
Still, Quinn laid out a path where the Warriors could make it work if they’re looking for another proven scorer. With Curry needing a dependable running mate heading into the 2026-27 campaign, DeRozan’s bucket-getting track record gives him a case even if the fit is unconventional. He has averaged at least 20 points per game for 12 straight seasons, and that kind of production would give Golden State another veteran offensive weapon.
The Knicks also make the list, and Quinn tied that interest to DeRozan’s connections. He is represented by CAA, so New York already knows him well, and he also spent a brief stretch playing for Mike Brown in Sacramento.
Quinn suggested that if the Knicks view him as someone who can handle a smaller role, the move would not be out of bounds. He compared that idea to what Jordan Clarkson provided in the playoffs, saying Clarkson wasn’t a regular part of the rotation but still helped when the Knicks needed him.
Miami was the third team Quinn highlighted, and the case there is simple: the Heat need another creator. Quinn wrote that they’ve been linked to DeRozan through multiple transaction cycles and pointed to the load currently sitting on Giannis Antetokounmpo in their offense.
At 17 years into his career, DeRozan remains one of the league’s most recognizable scoring forwards. Whether the next stop is Golden State, New York, Miami or somewhere else, the market is already taking shape.
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